National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has launched a strong attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing the DCP leader of making unsubstantiated claims against President William Ruto’s administration and national security agencies.
Ichung’wah, who is the Kikuyu MP, was responding to Gachagua’s remarks criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration and raising questions over a range of national issues.
In a statement, Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of seeking to undermine government institutions and said his remarks should not go unanswered.
“Earlier today, driven by his attention-seeking disorder, the impeached Rigathi Gachagua made a statement designed to malign the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Ichung’wah said.
“He has run out of tricks and has resorted to unimaginable innuendos, malicious rumors, and reckless disparagement of institutions.”
Ichung’wah further accused the DCP leader of politicising security agencies through what he described as “wild and frivolous allegations without proof”.
“The dishonored Rigathi is playing petty politics with the country’s security and its agencies,” he said.
“He has made numerous, wild and frivolous allegations without proof. He is determined to dilute objective national security agencies by aiming his petty political arsenals to diligent security officers.”
The Majority Leader also revisited Gachagua’s impeachment, accusing the former Deputy President of having violated the Constitution and undermined institutions and the rule of law.
“We continue to remind Kenyans why he was impeached; violating the constitution, undermining institutions, and the rule of law,” Ichung’wah said.
Ichung’wah defends William Ruto’s record
Ichung’wah defended President William Ruto’s administration against Gachagua’s criticism, citing economic growth, the government-to-government fuel supply arrangement, healthcare and other programmes.
He said Kenya’s economy was growing at about five per cent, compared with global growth of 3.3 per cent and Africa’s 3.8 per cent.
“Kenya’s economy is now growing at 5% higher than the global average of 3.3% and Africa’s 3.8%. The IMF now ranks Kenya as the 6th largest economy in Africa,” Ichung’wah said.
He also defended the government-to-government fuel supply arrangement, dismissing Gachagua’s criticism of the programme.
“Kenya is the only country in the region that has managed a steady supply of fuel, thanks to the G-to-G which is now being adopted by neighboring countries,” he said.
On coffee, Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of having previously sought a payment of Sh3 for every kilogramme of coffee sold through the coffee exchange.
“The Ksh.3 you were demanding is now going to farmers who are now earning between Ksh. 120 to Ksh.160 per kilogram,” he said.
Ichung’wah also accused Gachagua of attempting to politicise the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“Rigathi lacks empathy and remorse. He is dancing on a grave of a patriot and trying to make political capital out of the death of a statesman, Rt.Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga (may he continue resting in eternal peace),” he said.
Ichung’wah further alleged that Gachagua had been involved in actions targeting Raila during the 2023 demonstrations, saying: “It is in public domain that it is Rigathi who made an attempt on Raila Odinga’s life during the 2023 demonstration when he instructed security officers to aim at him.”
The former Deputy President has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing linked to the demonstrations.
Ichung’wah also cited government compensation for victims of past protests, saying a reparations panel had processed 680 claims and paid more than Sh674.1 million to 505 verified victims.
The exchange comes as Gachagua and Ruto’s allies continue to clash publicly ahead of the 2027 General Election.
